Retractable jewelry clasp

ABSTRACT

A retractable jewelry clasp may be used such that the user may pull a cord out from the reel or stretch an elastic band to lengthen the jewelry piece, fitting the jewelry piece over the appropriate body part, such as the head, hand, wrist, foot, etc. The user may then release the cord or elastic such that it retracts into the bead or snaps back, allowing the jewelry to be worn as designed without the inconvenience of operating a small clasp. The retractable jewelry clasp may be retrofitted to fit existing jewelry. The retractable mechanism may be contained within a bead and may include a locking mechanism such that the cord length may be varied to suit the wearer&#39;s preference.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/829,084, filed Apr. 4, 2019, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

Traditional jewelry clasps are difficult to operate given their small size. A standard clasp is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the standard clasp includes a loop portion and a spring closure that may be opened via an attached lever. A user must depress the lever to open the spring closure, insert the loop portion into the spring closure, and release the lever to complete the connection of the two ends of the jewelry. Completing this process may be difficult to perform for senior citizens, users who are young, impaired, users with eyesight issues, and those with long fingernails and people with disabilities, for example. It would therefore be desirable to have a jewelry clasp that allows the wearer to easily don and doff the jewelry item.

SUMMARY

A retractable jewelry clasp may be used such that the user may pull a cord out from the reel or stretch an elastic band to lengthen the jewelry piece, fitting the jewelry piece over the appropriate body part, such as the head, hand, wrist, foot, etc. The user may then release the cord or elastic such that it retracts into the bead or snaps back, allowing the jewelry to be worn as designed without the inconvenience of operating a small clasp.

The retractable jewelry clasp may be retrofitted to fit existing jewelry. The retractable mechanism may be contained within a bead and may include a locking mechanism such that the cord length may be varied to suit the wearer's preference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings various embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

FIG. 1 is an example diagram of a standard clasp on a necklace;

FIG. 2 is an example diagram of a necklace that is retrofitted with a retractable clasp;

FIG. 3 is an example diagram of a necklace that includes a primary bead as a closure;

FIG. 4 is an example diagram of a retractable clasp;

FIG. 5 is another example diagram of a retractable clasp;

FIG. 6 is a view of a retractable clasp showing an inner retractable reel mechanism;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a jewelry reel retractor clasp;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a jewelry elastic clasp;

FIG. 9 illustrates a jewelry slinky spring clasp;

FIGS. 10A through 10E illustrate the basic design of clasp with an arrestor;

FIGS. 11A through 11F illustrate various case designs that may be used in the clasp;

FIGS. 12A through 12D represent various views of the replaceable case used in the clasp;

FIGS. 13A through 13D represent views of the replaceable case used in the clasp;

FIGS. 14A through 14D represent various designs of retracting devices used with the clasp;

FIGS. 15A through 15C represent various views of a case with jewelry attached;

FIGS. 16A through 16B represent various views of a retracting device using magnets;

FIGS. 17A through 17D illustrate a design of loop portion enclosed in clasp design; and

FIGS. 18 through 22 illustrate various embodiments of the clasp design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “front,” “back,” “forward,” “backwards,” “inner,” and “outer” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted otherwise. A reference to a list of items that are cited as “at least one of a, b, or c” (where a, b, and c represent the items being listed) means any single one of the items a, b, or c, or combinations thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

A jewelry closure may use a retractable mechanism, for example a retractable reel. The jewelry closure may be referred to as a retractable jewelry clasp. The retractable reel mechanism may be concealed in the form of a bead or any other shape to replace or retrofit a clasp or closure on any type of jewelry including, but not limited to, necklaces and bracelets.

The retractable jewelry clasp may be used such that the user may pull the cord out from the reel to lengthen the jewelry piece, fitting the jewelry piece over the appropriate body part, such as the head, hand, wrist, foot, etc. The user may then release the cord such that it retracts into the bead, allowing the jewelry to be worn as designed without the inconvenience of operating a small clasp.

The retractable jewelry clasp may be retrofitted to fit existing jewelry and may be composed of a retractable reel and a cord or elastic. One side of the retractable reel may contain a loop. On the opposite side of the retractable reel may be an attachment mechanism such as a clasp, a hook, or a magnet, for example. The clasp may be any type of clasp that is suitable for jewelry, or for any encircling device, including, but not limited to, animal collars, plant supports for tying up your plants to a stake to keep them from drooping, including, for example, an alligator clasp. The type of clasp may vary depending on the application of the jewelry and consumer needs. The retractable jewelry clasp may include different clasp types and sizes to fit the various applications such as bracelets and necklaces.

The retractable mechanism may be contained within a bead, with loops or attachment points on opposite sides for attachment to standard jewelry components such as chains or beads. The retractable mechanism may be used to replace standard closures. The jewelry will then be able to be donned using the process described above.

Additional features may include a silicon coating on the retractable jewelry clasp to prevent movement of the device from the back of the neck to the front. The retractable clasp may include a locking mechanism such that the cord length may be varied to suit the wearer's preference.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram of a necklace that is retrofitted with a retractable clasp. As shown in FIG. 2, a fixed end loop on the retractable clasp may be used to connect to a standard clasp on one end of a piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or a bracelet. The opposite side of the retractable clasp may include a standard clasp to connect to the other end of the piece of jewelry. The standard clasp portion of the retractable clasp may be connected to a reel portion of the retractable clasp via a cord.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram of a necklace that includes a primary bead as a closure. In this example, the retractable clasp is fixed to the piece of jewelry and is not removable. As shown in FIG. 3, fixed end loops on opposing sides of the retractable clasp may be used to connect two ends of a piece of jewelry together.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram of a retractable clasp. As shown in FIG. 4, the retractable clasp may be in the form of a bead and include a fixed attachment loop on one end. On the opposite end of the fixed attachment loop, the retractable clasp may include a second attachment loop. The second attachment loop may be connected via a cord to a retractable reel mechanism embedded in the bead.

FIG. 5 is another example diagram of a retractable clasp. As shown in FIG. 5, the retractable clasp may be in the form of a bead and include a fixed attachment loop on one end. On the opposite end of the fixed attachment loop, the retractable clasp may include a standard clasp. The standard clasp may be connected via a cord to a retractable reel mechanism embedded in the bead.

FIG. 6 is a view of a retractable clasp showing an inner retractable reel mechanism. As shown in FIG. 6, the retractable clasp may be in the form of a bead and include a fixed attachment loop on one end. The fixed attachment loop may be used to attach to one end of a piece of jewelry.

On the opposite end of the fixed attachment loop, the retractable clasp may include a second attachment point. The second attachment point may be recessed into the bead such that a third attachment point may be inserted into the recess much like a puzzle piece or a lock and key. The second attachment point may be connected via a cord to a retractable reel mechanism embedded in the bead. The retractable reel mechanism may be a spring loaded mechanism or any other mechanism that would be suitable to retract a cord. A third attachment point may include a protrusion used to connect the opposite end of the jewelry to the retractable reel. The protrusion of the third attachment point may be of substantially similar shape as the recess of the second attachment point such that it fits in substantially flush when inserted into the recess of the second attachment point. The second attachment point and the third attachment point may each be one of a loop, hook, clasp, or magnet.

FIGS. 7A and 7B collectively illustrate a jewelry reel retractor clasp as described herein. As is illustrated in FIG. 7A, the clasp includes a loop, a bead with retractor, a standard clasp and a cord connecting the standard clasp with the bead. As is illustrated in FIG. 7B, the standard clasp of the retractor clasp may be attached to one end of a piece of jewelry while the loop is connected to the other end of the jewelry. This places the retractor clasp as part of the necklace assembly allowing the retractor to be employed by a wearer.

FIGS. 8A and 8B collectively illustrate a jewelry elastic clasp as described herein. As is illustrated in FIG. 8A, the clasp includes an elastic loop operating similarly to the bead with the reel, a standard clasp and a connector connecting the standard clasp with the elastic loop. As is illustrated in FIG. 8B, the standard clasp of the elastic clasp may be attached to one end of a piece of jewelry while the elastic loop is connected to the other end of the jewelry. This places the elastic clasp as part of the necklace assembly allowing the elasticity of the elastic loop to be employed by a wearer.

FIG. 9 illustrates a jewelry slinky spring clasp. As is illustrated in FIG. 9, the clasp includes a slinky spring operating similarly to the bead with the reel, a standard clasp and a loop. As is illustrated in FIG. 9, the standard clasp of the slinky clasp may be attached to one end of a piece of jewelry while the loop is connected to the other end of the jewelry. This places the slinky clasp as part of the necklace assembly allowing the springiness of the slinky spring to be employed by a wearer. The slinky spring may be housed within a material. Such a material may be gathered and may itself be elastic to aid in recoiling when the slinky spring is no longer elongated.

FIGS. 10A through 10E illustrate the basic design of clasp with an arrestor and/or a dual retracting design. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a wedge arrestor. The wedge arrestor may be affixed to the cord and may prevent the bead from retracting the cord any further than the arrestor. The portion of the cord between the arrestor and the standard clasp, in the depiction, may be maintained by the arrestor. The wedge arrestor acts by plugging the hole with a spongy material, forcing the cord to be wedged against the side, preventing it from retracting.

FIG. 10C illustrates a friction arrestor that may be used in place of the wedge arrestor in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The friction arrestor acts by maintaining a grip on the cord. When the loop is pulled to extend the cord, the friction arrestor remains in place on the cord, and is therefore, pulled away from the reel housing. The cord is surrounded by the friction arrestor. The portion of the friction arrestor that contacts the cord is composed of a material that prevents the cord from easily sliding through it. The hole in the friction arrestor that the cord passes through is small. In order to move the friction arrestor along the cord, one holds the cord and with an appropriate amount of force, slides the friction arrestor along the cord. When the cord is extended to the desired length, the friction arrestor may be slid toward the reel housing, preventing the cord from moving back into the reel housing.

FIG. 10D illustrates a clip arrestor that may be used in place of the wedge arrestor in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The clip arrestor acts allowing the user to squeeze the clip handles to loosen the clip's grip on the cord, allowing it to slide along the cord. When the desired length of cord is pulled from the housing, the clip handles are released, causing the clip to grasp and hold the cord. The clip prevents the cord from retracting into the housing. Alternatively, the present clasp may employ a dual retracting device. Such a device may retract from both ends as the bead retracts from a single end. This dual retractor may be employed using two mechanisms, a first retracting mechanism 1 and a second retracting mechanism 2, inside, for example. On one side of the dual retractor the may be a loop and the other side may include a standard clasp, each of which may be attached to jewelry as described above.

FIGS. 11A through 11F illustrate various case designs that may be used in the clasp. FIG. 11A illustrates a general, base type, design that includes the described coil within a case interconnecting a loop and a standard clasp via a cord. In FIG. 11B, there is a fingerprint image stamped into the metal of the case. For example, a mom/dad fingerprint may be used. In FIG. 11C a flatter design is illustrated. The flatter design lay against the neck in a more conformable fashion. The design may be coated in silicon or other material to aid in comfort and to even present slippage on the nape of the neck of the wearer. In FIG. 11D, a case with customized initials is illustrated. FIG. 11E illustrates another design. The illustrated design appears as a wrapped candy and the right side of the “wrapper” pulls out to extend the reel and that same portion of the “wrapper” may be used as an arrestor, such as a friction arrestor. FIG. 11F illustrates a reel clasp contained in an interchangeable locket type case.

FIGS. 12A through 12D represent various views of the replaceable case used in the clasp. As illustrated in FIG. 12A the opening in the case allow the device to extend and retract. The replaceable case allows the wearer to utilize a base reel clasp and place it into one of many possible case designs to match their jewelry design or the wearer's taste or choice. The case can be of any design, such as any metal, embellished with jewels, logo bearing, and of any shape allowing incorporation of the base reel clasp. The cases may utilize any closing design, such as snap closure, slide over, hinged, locket, magnetic, etc.

FIGS. 13A through 13D represent views of the replaceable case used in the clasp. The case may include a decorative design. The case may include cutouts to allow connectors from the clasp to be hidden.

FIGS. 14A through 14D represent various designs of retracting devices used with the clasp. FIGS. 14A through 14D provide further detail on the depiction of FIG. 10E. In FIG. 14A two bead shapes are illustrated. Each of the bead shapes may include a retractor clasp thereby providing dual retraction. In FIG. 14B an illustration pulling the two bead apart is shown. The beads may be connected via a cord that is connected to the retractor of one or both beads. In FIG. 14B there is one retractor connected to the cord between the beads and another retractor connected to a cord attached to the jewelry. Further in FIG. 14C, the jewelry and connectors are added to the device of FIG. 14B. There is a standard clasp connected via cord to a first retractor in a first bead. That bead is interconnected with a second bead, in this case with a cord. The retractor of the second bead operates on that interconnecting cord. The second bead is also connected to a loop distal to the first bead. The loop and standard clasp enable connection to the jewelry as previously described. FIG. 14D illustrates a two bead design with a single retracting device. The beads may be connected with a cord on which the retracting device acts.

FIGS. 15A through 15C represent various views of a case with jewelry attached. In particular, the case with jewelry attached in a bubble type design of a bead case.

FIGS. 16A through 16B represent various views of a retracting device using magnets. FIG. 16A illustrates a standard clasp and loop interconnected with two portions of a connector. One of the connectors includes a retractor that acts on a cord interconnecting the two connectors. Additionally, the two connectors may include magnets that aid in the two connectors being attracted to each other and thereby staying attached in use. FIG. 16B illustrates the connector of FIG. 16A pulled apart to allow the magnet placement on the inner edge of each connector to be visible. Although, two magnets placed on the inner edge are depicted, other configurations of magnets would be evident to those possessing ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 17A through 17D illustrate a design of a flat oval bead retractor with magnets to hold the two pieces in the correct orientation. When any of the bead designs need specific orientation to maintain its design, magnets may be used to accomplish this. This may also apply to the locket design if needed.

FIGS. 18 through 22 illustrate various embodiments of the clasp design. FIG. 18 illustrates a retractor clasp of the present invention with a necklace attached thereto. FIG. 19 illustrates an initial connector as described in FIG. 11D. FIG. 20 illustrates another connector described herein with respect to FIG. 11E. FIG. 21 illustrates the flattened connector of FIG. 11C. FIG. 22 illustrates the connector of FIG. 21 interconnected with a necklace to evidence the connections.

Having thus described various methods, configurations, and features of the present clasp in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description above, could be made in the apparatus and method without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a retractable jewelry clasp configured such that by pulling a cord out from the reel of the clasp or stretching an elastic band to lengthen the jewelry piece, fitting the jewelry piece over the appropriate body part, such as the head, hand, wrist, and foot, allowing for release of the cord or elastic to retracts into the bead in the clasp or snaps back into the clasp, allowing the jewelry to be worn as designed without the inconvenience of operating a small clasp.
 2. The device wherein the retractable jewelry clasp is retrofitted to fit existing jewelry.
 3. The device wherein the retractable mechanism is contained within a bead.
 4. The device wherein the retractable mechanism includes a locking mechanism such that the cord length may be varied to suit the wearer's preference. 